The trade association that represents companies responsible for handling much of the UK’s visible trade has given a cautious welcome to the news that the use of Manston Airport as a lorry park will be trialled to help alleviate congestion caused by the problems with the Dover-Calais crossing. Robert Keen, Director General of the British International Freight Association (BIFA), says: “BIFA welcomes anything that will improve conditions for our members in the short term. “It’s only a short term fix, and will increase fuel costs, but we understand that this is a site where 2,000 lorries can be held, and will remove a lot of HGVs off the M20. “However, we still insist that the British and French governments must do whatever is necessary to step up their protection of the routes across the Channel and fulfil their obligations to let trade move unhindered before serious damage is done to this strategic freight route.”